Shloka 8
आरण्यकानू प्रव्रजितान् ब्राह्मणान् परिपूजयन् । अपि तेभ्यो गृहान् गत्वा निनाय सततं वने
āraṇyakānū pravrajitān brāhmaṇān paripūjayan | api tebhyo gṛhān gatvā nināya satataṃ vane ||
Bhīṣma said: He would honor the forest-dwelling Brāhmaṇas—both the vānaprasthas and the renunciants—and, going even to their dwellings, he would regularly bring them provisions while himself living continually in the forest. The verse highlights a life of disciplined simplicity joined with active service to ascetics and spiritual learning.
भीष्म उवाच
Educational Q&A
Dharma is not only personal austerity but also active reverence and practical support for spiritual practitioners; one should honor ascetics and ensure their sustenance through regular, humble service.
Bhīṣma describes a person living in the forest who continually venerates forest-dwelling Brāhmaṇas—especially vānaprasthas and renunciants—and repeatedly goes to their dwellings to deliver food and necessities.